A moment later they were welcoming their guardian at the door, while the smaller children formed an eager and anxious background.
“What has happened?” asked Agnes, while Ruth, remembering her position as head of the family, asked:
“Won’t you come in?”
“I’d much rather you would come out, Miss Ruth,” the man responded. “It is just the sort of day to be out—not in.”
“Especially in such a car as that!” exclaimed Agnes. “It’s a—”
“Be careful,” murmured Ruth, with an admonishing glance from Agnes to the smaller girls. “Little pitchers, you know—”
“It’s a wonderful car!” went on Agnes. “Is it yours?”
“Well, I sometimes doubt a little, when I recall what it cost me,” her guardian answered with a laugh. “But I am supposed to be the owner, and I have come to take you for a ride.”
“Oh, can’t we go?” came in a chorus from Tess and Dot.
“Yes, all of you!” laughed Mr. Howbridge. “That’s why I waited until school was out. They may come, may they not, Miss Ruth?” he asked. Always he was thus deferential to her when a question of family policy came up.